Egypt’s Sisi pledges to leave office when term ends in 2030

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced on Saturday that he will not seek re-election when his current term ends in 2030, stating the matter is "completely settled". The 71-year-old former army general delivered this announcement at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy, one of his signature megaprojects.

Sisi emphasized that the Egyptian constitution remains unchanged and that his decision is final, with no further discussion anticipated. The constitution, established in 2014 following the 2013 military ouster of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, initially limited presidents to two four-year terms. However, a 2019 constitutional amendment extended presidential terms to six years, allowing Sisi to run for a second term in 2023, which will conclude in 2030.

Critics and opposition figures have expressed concerns about potential further constitutional changes that could enable Sisi to remain in power beyond 2030. Upon his initial entry into politics, Sisi had dismissed any political ambitions, but resigned from his defense minister role in 2014 to run for president, ultimately winning the election.

Sisi's presidency has been marked by an ambitious state-led development program centered around megaprojects, which critics argue have been financed through significant borrowing, contributing to Egypt's growing debt burden and economic challenges. The president's tenure has also drawn criticism from international human rights organizations over restrictions on political opposition, civil society, and freedom of expression.

The government counters these claims, asserting that its policies are essential for maintaining stability and security.